A nurse is teaching a client about advance directives. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A.
“I will have a nurse witness the signing of my living will.”
B.
“I can make changes to my living will even after I sign it.”
C.
“I should choose a family member as my health care proxy.”
D.
“I need to have my attorney review my advance directives.”
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. “I can make changes to my living will even after I sign it.”
Explanation:
Advance directives are legal documents that allow individuals to communicate their preferences about medical care if they are unable to make decisions for themselves in the future. These documents typically include a living will and the appointment of a health care proxy (also known as a durable power of attorney for health care). A living will specifies what kinds of medical treatment the individual wants or does not want, while a health care proxy designates someone to make health care decisions on their behalf.
Let’s break down the answer choices:
A. “I will have a nurse witness the signing of my living will.”
While a living will requires witnesses, this statement is not necessarily correct, as the laws governing who can witness the signing vary by state. Nurses may or may not be able to serve as witnesses depending on local regulations and their involvement in the patient’s care.
B. “I can make changes to my living will even after I sign it.”
This is the correct statement. A living will is not set in stone once it is signed. As long as the individual is still competent, they have the right to modify or revoke their living will at any time. This flexibility allows for changes if the individual’s health status or preferences evolve.
C. “I should choose a family member as my health care proxy.”
While choosing a family member is common, it is not mandatory. The individual can select anyone they trust to make medical decisions on their behalf. It is essential that the chosen proxy understands the individual’s wishes and can advocate for them in medical settings.
D. “I need to have my attorney review my advance directives.”
Although legal consultation can be helpful, it is not a requirement to have an attorney review or draft an advance directive. Many advance directive forms are available for free and can be completed without legal assistance.
In conclusion, understanding that a living will can be modified at any time (option B) reflects a proper comprehension of how advance directives function.